The Church

SVU to Host Annual Education Conference

The 17th Annual Southern Virginia University Education Conference, with presenters including Elder Marlin K. Jensen, and Julie B. Beck, former general president of the Relief Society of the Church, will be held Friday and Saturday, June 7-8, on the university’s campus in Buena Vista, Va.

The conference will feature two days of presentations on the theme, “Rejoice, the Heavens are Open.” The annual conference also features other activities and entertainment, including the Southern Virginia Theatre Program’s production of the musical “Babes in Arms.”

In addition to Elder Jensen and Julie B. Beck, this year’s presenters include Lee Donaldson, manager of proselyting services in the Church’s Missionary Department, who previously served as president of the California San Diego Mission and global director of Leadership Development for the Church. Donaldson also has 26 years of experience as a teacher and administrator in the Church Educational System. Two full-time Institute of Religion instructors, Dr. Ronald E Bartholomew and Dr. Matthew Rasmussen also will give presentations on topics associated with the conference’s theme.

“I can’t think of a topic that excites me more than the topic of the heavens being open, angels ministering, and the Holy Ghost bearing witness of the Father and the Son,” said Kathleen Knight, who has organized the conference since its inception in 1997. “Each presenter in their own way will talk about revelation. One will be talking about how missionaries teach by the power of inspiration and one about how we do our callings, another will talk about parenting with revelation. Receiving revelation is critical in our time and it’s such a blessing to know that is available to us.”

Other presenters will include Todd Brotherson, assistant professor of business at Southern Virginia; Dr. Kaye T. Hanson, a retired management communications professor at Brigham Young University; Glade M. Knight, founder, chairman, and CEO of the Apple REIT companies and chair of the Southern Virginia board of trustees; and Paul K. Sybrowsky, president of Southern Virginia and former member of the Second Quorum of the Seventy of the Church.

The conference will feature fine and performing artists including James Oneil Miner, a popular pianist, composer and entertainer; Mark Taylor, a violinist and assistant professor of music at Southern Virginia; and Leslie Graff, an artist whose work is characterized by organic themes, repeating patterns and expressive color.

In addition to the entertainment provided, many conference attendees take advantage of highlights in the area including scenic views at the Blue Ridge Parkway, historic sites in nearby Lexington, Va., and Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello-located one hour away from the university’s campus.

Full biographies of each presenter and registration information are available atsvuconference.com.